One of only six examples of this rare and beautiful type offered
over the last two decades. One specimen sold for the equivalent of
$661,000 in 2011! Alexander of Pherae, son of the tyrant Jason,
carved his way to the seat of power by murdering both of his
brothers who had, in turn, killed their father. Once established,
he embarked on a bloody 11-yeaer reign that saw him nearly become
the primary power in Greece. He was a severe threat to the Aleuadai
of Larissa so they called on Macedonian aid, which succeeded in
forcing Alexander to flee Pherai. After the Macedonians also
withdrew, Larissa called for Theban aid, which arrrived in the
person of Pelopidas. This forced Alexander into an alliance with
Athens, but by 364 he was defeated and forced into peace. After the
death of Epaminondas in 362, Alexander turned on his erstwhile
Athenian allies and attacked them, even raiding the Piraeus. He was
finally killed by his wife Thebe's brothers, who she goaded to do
so out of hatred for his cruelties.